First Principles

The Seven Fundamentals

of
Ephesians 4:4-6

First Principles The Seven Fundamentals

This edition of First Principles is a combination of many resources, predominantly
from the study series written by Andy Fleming (The Seven Fundamentals of
Ephesians 4:4-6). Other contributing sources include the original First Principles
series by the ICOC and Shining Like Stars written by Douglas Jacoby. We
recommend you use all of these resources and refer to them. As you grow you
should become better equipped to study the Bible with individuals.
Our experience shows us there are many ways to study the Bible with individuals,
however, we want to always make sure Gods core principles of conversion are
clearly communicated. There are many reasons for a new study series. Of first
importance, God continues to teach us how to effectively communicate the gospel
of Jesus Christ (Acts 14:1). The gospel is good news and it needs to be
encouraging for those who are truly seeking the Lord.
The goal of the study series is to ultimately help individuals make decisions to
become true disciples of Christ. When we teach these scriptures to our friends, lets
be like the apostle Paul with the disciples in Thessalonica (1Thessalonians 2:8)he
was delighted to share with them not only the gospel of God but his life as well.

CONTENTS
ONE GOD AND FATHER OF ALL

2-3

ONE FAITH

4-5

ONE LORD

6-7

ONE HOPE

8-9

ONE GOSPEL

10-11

ONE BAPTISM (PART 1)

12-13

ONE BAPTISM (PART 2)

14-15

ONE SPIRIT

16-17

ONE BODY

18-19

A MEDICAL ACCOUNT OF THE CRUCIFIXION

20-22

LIST OF EXTRA RESOURCES

23

One God

God will be found when we seek him with all our hearts
Page 1

This is a great introductory study for those who are seeking the Lord. Many people
dont realize that God Himself is looking for individuals to strengthen (2 Chronicles
16:9). A persons reaction to this study reflects his openness to God. The goal of this
study is to impress ones responsibility in their relationship with God.

Acts 17:22-31
Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 7:7-11
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Acts 17:11-12

God created us for a purpose.

God cares for each one of us; seek God first.
Ask, seek and knock.
God wants to bless our lives.
Have a noble heart before God. Do your homework!

Describe the kind of relationship you presently have with God. What adjectives best
describe God for you?

Acts 17:22-31
What is your purpose in life?
Being religious is not enough we must seek the truth (vv. 22-23)
God does not need anything from us since he is the source of life (vv. 24-25)
God wants a personal relationship with us that we have chosen to have by our
own free will we must seek him (vv. 26-27)
Everyone has been made in Gods image and therefore inherently knows how
God wants to be loved and treated we are just like him (vv. 28-29)
God sent his Son, Jesus to teach us how to have a relationship with him and
also proved who he was by raising him from the dead (vv. 30-31)

Matthew 6:25-34
Because God cares for each one of us, we should seek God first.
God knows exactly what we need (vv. 25-32)
If we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, our needs will be met (vv.
33-34)

Matthew 7:7-11
God is waiting for us to respond ask, seek and knock.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
God wants to bless our lives.
God has plans for each one of us
God listens to our prayers

Acts217:11-12
Page
Have a Noble Heart before God
You must check what religious leaders say put your faith in Gods word
Challenge: be a Bereanbegin to feed yourself with Gods word.
CONCLUSION
Begin praying and reading the Scriptures daily.
Do the homework assigned each day.
EXTRA PASSAGES

Genesis 1:1
God is the Creator. This statement alone separates faith in the Bible from most other
religions and human philosophies, for example:
Atheism the belief that there is no God
Pantheism the belief that the universe (i.e., everything) is God
Polytheism the belief in more than one God
Evolution the theory that all species of life developed from earlier forms
even to the point that life came from inanimate matter (i.e., creation was not a
supernatural event)

Isaiah 40:12-31
The incredible nature of God

Gods knowledge goes far beyond human understanding (vv. 12-14)

Gods powerThe power of the nations is like nothing compared to

God (vv. 15-17)

Gods greatness is beyond human imagination (vv. 18-20)

Gods controlThe vastness of the universe and passage of time are

small things to God (vv. 21-26)

Gods careMost incredibly, he cares for each one of us and gives

strength to those who put their hope in him (vv. 27-31)
HOMEWORK (read the following passages)

The proof of Gods existence is clearly seen in the creation (Romans 1:20)
It is incredible that God cares for us (Psalm 8)
Gods plan for us is more precious than gold (Psalm 19)
God knows everything about us (Psalm 139)

One Faith

Page 3

Faith is not an option, it is absolutely necessary to possess in order to please God.

The purpose of this study is to convey the importance of building ones faith in God
and His word. Our goal is to help individuals connect their life with scripture.

Hebrews 11:1-10
Ephesians 2:8-10
James 2:14-26
Romans 10:17
John 7:17

Faith goes beyond what we can see.

Faith is necessary for salvation.
Faith without action is dead.
Faith comes from hearing the message (the Bible).
By doing Gods will, and you will know!

For those with religious background, construct a timeline of significant spiritual

events such as when they: were born again, baptized, had their sins forgiven,
saved, came to faith in Jesus as Lord, received the Holy Spirit, etc.
(I) FAITH DEFINED

Therefore salvation is a gift made available through Gods grace, which can
only be received by us through faith grace and faith must work together

Page 4

(II) FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD

James 2:14-17
Faith is more than simple ascent that God exists it is demonstrated by ones
obedience and service to God. Consider these examples from history: by faith
Noah built the ark to save his family after being warned by God (Hebrews
11:7)
Abraham obeyed and went to a foreign land because he understood that God
was calling him to an even better home (i.e., heaven) (Hebrews 11:8-10)
(III) HOW TO BUILD FAITH

Romans 10:17
Faith comes from hearing the message through the word of Christ Bible reading.

John 7:17
The way to find out whether the Bible is from God is to try putting it into practice.
CONCLUSION
Continue reading the Bible; put into practice what youve read.
Challenge: to attend fellowships (Sunday & midweek services) for one month.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Faith is a conviction of truth beyond the confirmation of our senses

Faith is the full acceptance of the truth of Gods word (i.e., the universe was
formed at Gods command) faith must be put in something greater than
ourselves

Hebrews 11:6

Without faith it is impossible to please God

To come to God one must believe that he exists and rewards those who
earnestly seek him

1 Peter 1:3-9
Faith is of greater worth than gold in Gods sight
The resurrection of Christ gives us the hope of an eternal inheritance
Through faith we are shielded by Gods power even as we face difficulties
Through faith we have confidence and joy in the salvation of our souls

Ephesians 2:8-10
Salvation is only possible if there is both grace and faith
Only God has the power to give grace (i.e. forgive the eternal consequences
of sin)
Only man can have faith since God is all-knowing and all-powerful

EXTRA PASSAGES

Hebrews 10:35-39
Through faith we can receive blessings from God.
Persevere in doing Gods will so that we can receive what was promised
Although some promises of God are simply statements of what he will do,
others are conditional statements with a blessing and are dependent on our
obedience
Consider the promises covered in the previous study:
i. If we seek God with all our hearts then we will find Him (Jeremiah
29:13)
ii. If we seek Gods kingdom and righteousness first then God will take care
of all our physical needs (Matthew 6:33)
iii. If we fulfill the condition in faith, then God will give us the blessing
HOMEWORK (read the following passages)

All Scripture is inspired by God and works to mature our hearts (2 Timothy
3:16-17)

The word of God reveals the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts (Hebrews
4:12,13)

Although Jesus came to save, the same message of salvation will condemn
those who do not accept it (John 12:47-48)

One Lord

Luke 14:25-35
Page 5

The world has many definitions of what it means to be a Christian. However, in

order to find true meaning of discipleship, one must return to the definitions of the
Bible. This study can be used earlier or later in the series, depending on the
individual. For the religious and uncommitted person, use this study early on to
challenge them. For those who openly admit to not being disciples, use this study to
give vision of what they need to become for God.

Matthew 28:18-20
Acts 11:19-26
Mark 1:14-18
Luke 9:23-26
Luke 14:25-33
Mark 12:28-31

Gain the world and lose your soul, or lose your life to Jesus and receive eternal
life

Go preach the Gospel and make disciples.

Disciples called Christians for the first time.
Jesus calls the first disciples.
The heart of following Jesus.
Everyone must count the cost: total surrender.
Love God with your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Can you accept Jesus as your Savior without accepting him as your Lord?
(I) JESUS IS LORD

Acts 2:36
God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.
Jesus is Lord whether we accept it, say it, or even know it.

Love Jesus will for our lives more than any others even our own (vv. 25Page27)
6
Love Jesus kingdom more than all we possess (vv. 28-33)
One opportunity to fulfill this is through regular contribution to the work of
the church

Acts 11:19-26
Disciples were called Christians for the first time.
If you are not a disciple, then you are also not a true Christian.
The word Christian is barely used in the New Testamentonly three times
Christian was the name that the world gave the followers of Jesus
Most often, the followers of Jesus are referred to as disciples (more than 270
times) and Jesus clearly defined its meaning through his example and teaching
(III) THE LORD OF ALL
What do you think is Gods dream for the world?

Mark 1:14-18
Jesus calls the first disciples.
Jesus called them to Follow me and they immediately left everything
He promised to give them a new purpose to be fishers of men (just like
him)

Matthew 28:18-20

Romans 10:9
Must make Jesus Lord of your life by confessing with your mouth and believing in
your heart that He is Lord.
You cant be saved if you havent made Jesus Lord of your life.
How have you made Jesus Lord of your life?
(II) THE LORD OF MY LIFE

Mark 12:28-31
The Greatest Commandment
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength
Love your neighbor as yourself

Luke 9:23-26
The heart of following Jesus
Deny oneself. Carry the cross daily always prepared to sacrifice our wills

The Great Commission is for every disciple.

This command includes baptizing and teaching obedience to Christ
God uses faithful disciples to make more disciples and bring them to
maturity
Faithfulness to Gods plan could evangelize the world in one generation
CONCLUSION
What would it take for you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life?
Challenge: decide to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life!
HOMEWORK (read the following passages)
Deny oneself. Like Jesus in the garden Not my will, but your will (Matthew
26:36-39)

 The world will know the disciples of Christ when we love one another, and
hold to his teachings (John 13:34-35; John 8:31-32)
Learn how to pray: the disciples wanted to be like Jesus in his prayer life (Luke
11:1-4)
Doing Gods will is the right response to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Matthew
7:21-23)

Isaiah 59:1-2
Spiritual darkness means separation from Gods light
Sin separates us from God like a wall
Salvation is only possible if wall is removed by God since only though his
grace can sins be forgiven

Romans 3:22-24

One Hope

Page 7

We all need hope and God is the answer for our lives. Use this study to show people
how God sees them: sinful. The fact that everyone has sinned means everyone needs
forgiveness from God. Once a person understands their specific sins against God,
they will now have the opportunity to repent.

1 Peter 1:1-9
1 Peter 2:9-10
Isaiah 59:1-2
Romans 3:22-24
Galatians 5:19-21
Psalm 32:1-11
James 5:16
1 John 1:52:2

The living hope of salvation.

The spiritual condition of mankind.
Sin separates us from God.
All have sinned and fallen short of Gods glory.
Sinful acts are obvious.
Confess your sins to God first.
Confess your sins to man.
Must walk in the light.

What is your greatest hope for this life?

(I) ETERNAL HOPE

1 Peter 1:1-9

Sin is falling short of Gods glory

Page 8 Sin is translated from the Greek hamartano for missing the mark (i.e.,
like an arrow falling short of the target)
How much sin does it require to become a sinner? Just one.
Can good deeds cancel out sin? No, only Gods grace can make us righteous
and that grace can only be received through faith.

Galatians 5:19-21
Sins of Commission (in action and in thought)
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious

James 4:17
Sins of Omission
God also holds us responsible for the good that we know that we should do
(III) RESTORED HOPE

Romans 6:23
Mans eternal destiny is connected to his spiritual condition
The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God)
The gift of God is life (eternity in heaven with Him)
These are the only two possibilities

Salvation is a gift dependent on Gods mercy

Assured by the resurrection of Jesus Christhes already waiting for us there
An inheritance kept in heaven that can never perish, spoil or fade

Psalm 32:1-11

1 Peter 2:9-10

Confession to each other brings healing and helps with accountability.

This is Gods way of keeping our hope restored.

Everyone is either in the darkness or in the light there is no twilight zone

Darkness

Gods Light

Not a People

God's People

No Mercy (Not forgiven)

Mercy (Forgiven)

Being in Gods light is much more than an intellectual state (i.e.,

enlightenment) but it is our true spiritual condition before God
(II) RUINED HOPE

Make sure you confess your sins to God.

James 5:16

1 John 1:52:2
In order to be right with God, we must walk in the light.
The blood of Jesus is what purifies us from all sin
Be honest and open with our lives
CONCLUSION
Consider what needs to be repented in your life.
Challenge: confess and repent.

HOMEWORK (read the following passages)

Evil comes from inside our hearts (Mark 7:20-23)

The sacrifice of Christs blood is our only chance (Romans 5:9-11)
God loves us even at our worst powerless, ungodly, sinners (Romans 5:6-8)
Despite our sins, we can rejoice in our hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-5)
With a true understanding of our sinfulness comes humility (Psalm 51)

One Gospel

Page 9

The word gospel comes from the Greek eauggelion (which literally means good
news). The good news of Jesus Christ includes his life, death, and resurrection.
Many people today do not understand what Jesus Christ has done for them through
his death. When one understands the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, it will
change ones life forever.

The message is clear and personal for each one of us: God made him who had no
sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God
What awaits a man who has sin and dies? Answer: hell.
On the cross, Jesus paid the ultimate price on our behalf. He went to hell for us
so that we wouldnt have to go there.

Matthew 26:26-29
Jesus asked us to remember the sacrifice of his body and blood.
The bread represents his body which was given for us
Page
10The cup represents his blood that was poured out for the forgiveness of our
sins
CONCLUSION
Communion is usually celebrated each week during the Sunday worship
service.
Challenge: come to Sunday church services to partake communion.
EXTRA PASSAGES

Matthew 26:3128:10 Matthews account of The Passion.

1 Peter 2:21-24
Christ suffered for us in his body.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus paid the ultimate price for us already. Accept it!

Romans 1:16-17

Why do you think that the story of Jesus is called good news?

The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.

The righteousness of the gospel comes only through faith
The facts of the gospel are that Jesus died, was buried, and then was raised to
life (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Matthew 26:31 28:10

1 Peter 1:18-21

Read and consider the suffering of Jesus as well as how the people around him were
sinners just like us:
Suggested reading intervals:

26:31-35
26:47-56
26:69-75
27:11-26
27:32-44
27:57-61
28:1-10

26:36-46
26:57-68
27:1-10
27:27-31
27:45-56
27:62-66

1 Peter 2:21-24
Christ suffered for us in his body.
He set us an example by trusting in God through his trials
He bore our sins and received the punishment that we deserved

2 Corinthians 5:21

The Gospel was Gods plan from the beginning.

Jesus was the lamb of God chosen before the creation of the world
His resurrection gives us faith and hope

Philippians 2:5-8
The sacrifice of Jesus began long before his death on the cross.
He gave up equality with God
He took the form of a servant being made in human likeness
He humbled himself to the point of death

Hebrews 9:14-15, 22
The incredible power of the blood of Christ
The blood of Christ cleanses our consciences and sets us free from the guilt
of our sins
The blood of Christ puts the new covenant into effect and guarantees
forgiveness

HOMEWORK

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Read the Medical Account of the Crucifixion (pages 20-22)

View the KNN edition entitled The Cross.
Simply review the scriptures given in the study

One Baptism (Part 1)

Repent (translated from the Greek metanoeo meaning to change your thinking)
Repentance leads to salvation
Sorrow for sin is not enough godly sorrow leads to repentance and worldly
sorrow leads to regret and death
True repentance comes from the heart and is zealous in both attitude and
action

Page 11

Repentance is also a turning to God

Brings times of refreshing (Acts 3:17-20)
12Demonstrated by actions (Acts 26:19-21)
Page

The purpose of this study is to explain how we receive forgiveness for our sins and
become Christians. This study should be used when a person has demonstrated their
willingness to repent and desire to become a disciple. Be wise, unless a person sees
his or her lostness you may end up arguing more than converting (2 Timothy 2:2326).

Romans 6:3-7

Galatians 2:20

John 3:3-8
Acts 2:22-24, 36-41
2 Corinthians 7:10-11
Romans 6:1-7
Galatians 2:20

Must be born again; born of water and the Spirit.

Believe the Gospel and respond!
Repentance leads to salvation.
Baptism unites us with the death of Christ.
I have been crucified with Christ. I now live for Christ.

How does someone respond in faith to the message of the gospel?

John 3:3-8
Jesus taught that we must be born again.
Being born again is equated with being born of water and the Spirit
No one can enter the kingdom unless they are born of water and the Spirit
Being born of the Spirit is invisible and miraculous

Acts 2:22-24, 36-41

The Apostles taught that we believe the Gospel and respond.
Our sins put Jesus on the cross (i.e., we crucified him as surely as the
Roman soldiers did)
Jesus physically rose from the dead
The truth should cut our hearts and help us surrender to Gods will: What
shall we do?
Everyone must make his/her own decision to repent and be baptized these
are the conditions connected to Gods promise of forgiveness of sins and the
gift of the Holy Spirit

Be Baptized (transliterated from the Greek baptizo meaning to immerse)

Baptism unites us with the death of Christ
Baptism is a burial so that we might be raised to a new life
Through baptism we acknowledge that our old self (our sins) was crucified
with Jesus on the cross
I now live my life for Christ, not for myself
Baptism is the putting off of the sinful nature
CONCLUSION
Challenge: set a date and time to get baptized.
EXTRA PASSAGES

Hebrews 9:14-15, 22
Through baptism we contact with the cleansing blood of Christ.

1 Peter 3:21-22
Baptism saves us.
Not through ceremonial cleansing but by virtue of the resurrection of Jesus
Christ and our faith in the promise of God (i.e., the response of a good
conscience)

Titus 3:4-7
Baptism is an expression of Gods kindness, love and mercy.
Salvation comes through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit. Remember the words of Jesus, You must be born again born of water
and the Spirit
Our own righteousness cannot save us, but we are justified by his grace

 We becomes heirs of God with the hope of eternal life

HOMEWORK (read the following passages)

Repent or perish (Luke 13:1-9)

God knows our hearts and gives grace to the humble (James 4:4-10)
Without humility there will be no salvation (Matthew 18:3,4)
We must decide to get rid of all the sin in our lives (Colossians 3:5-10)
The example of Pauls conversion (Acts 22:12-16)
Baptism is the putting off of the sinful nature; a spiritual circumcision;
buried with Christ in baptism (Colossians 2:9-15)

One Baptism (Part 2)

Page 13

We live in a religious society with many different understandings about God.

Consequently, how one becomes a Christian is also confused. This study addresses
the most popular false doctrines (teachings) on how someone becomes a Christian.
Once you begin talking to more people about God, you will soon discover the
widespread effect of these false teachings. 1 Peter 3:15 calls us to be prepared to
give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope we have
this study will better equip us to give those answers.
Galatians 1:6-9

Ezekiel 18:20
Hebrews 10:26
James 2:24
Revelation 3:20

False doctrine (teaching) is destructive. No one can

alter the gospel!
Original sin is a false teaching.
Once saved, always saved is a false teaching.
Salvation by faith alone is a false teaching
Salvation through the sinners prayer is a false
teaching.

Begin the session with a summary of the New Testament teaching on conversion:

Hear the message

Believe (trust)
Repent
Confess Jesus as Lord
Be baptized

Romans 10:17, Acts 11:14

John 3:16, Acts 16:31
Luke 13:3, Acts 3:19
Romans 10:9, 1 Timothy 6:12
Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21

Advocates of infant baptism hold that baptism remits original sin.

Clearly, this Scripture shows that guilt is nontransferable.
The Catholic Church did not officially endorse this false teaching until the
early fifth century.
The sister doctrine of confirmation is equally baseless.

Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:26-27

These passages also clearly refute the infant baptism doctrine.
Faith is key in baptism. Can babies have faith? Answer: No.
Repentance is necessary for baptism. Do babies understand the concept of
repentance? Answer: No way.

Hebrews
Page
14 10:26
This passage is only one of hundreds that refutes the false doctrine of once saved,
always saved.
James 2:24
Salvation by faith alone is a false teaching.
John 3:16 shows faith as the basis of our entire response to the gospel. But this
must not be taken out of context.
Consider all relevant passages.
John 8:30-32, Hebrews 5:9, Romans 1:5, and Romans 16:26

Revelation 3:20
The false doctrine of praying Jesus into your heart, accepting Christ or
receiving Christ was invented on the American frontier in the early nineteenth
century from this verse.
Must examine this passage carefully, and its context!
It is written to Christians, the already saved (Revelation 3:14, 22)
Be earnest, and repent means to let Christ back into your life, not to be
converted initially.
The passage mentions nothing about faith, confession or baptism, as the
readers were already converted.
CONCLUSION
Have a deep conviction of the right and Biblical doctrine of conversion.

Galatians 1:6-10

EXTRA PASSAGES

We must take a stand and not be people-pleasers (v10).

No onereligious leader, angel, apostlehas the right to update the gospel!

Luke 23:39-43

Ezekiel 18:20
Infant baptism is a false teaching.

The false doctrine of the thief on the cross says, The thief was not baptized, but
Jesus said he would see him in heaven. What do you say to that?
Mark 2:10
Jesus had authority during his earthly ministry to forgive sins.

 Romans 6:3-4
Hebrews 9:17

Baptism is a participation in Jesus death, burial, and

resurrection. The penitent thief could not have been baptized,
as Jesus had not yet died.
The new covenant (New Testament) was not yet in force, as
Jesus had not yet died under the old covenant.

Accepting Christ is necessary to become a child of God (born again), but it is

not sufficient (John 1:12)
Accepting Christ Biblically means accepting the words of Christ, receiving his
message (John 12:48).
Nowhere in the New Testament is there a record of anyone just saying a prayer
and becoming a Christian!

One Spirit

Genesis 1:1-3
Psalm 139:7-10
John 16:13
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Romans 8:9-11
Acts 2:17-21, 29-41
1 Corinthians 6:17-20

The Spirit of God being everywhere means that God is everywhere

(II) WHAT WILL THE SPIRIT DO FOR US?

John 16:13
Gods Spirit will guide us into all truth.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Gods Spirit helps us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
If we have the Holy Spirit working in us, we will become more and more
like Christ.

Romans 8:9-11

Page 15

The Holy Spirit is received at baptism. This study explains the power given to us
supplied by the Holy Spirit. Quite honestly we need greater awareness of the Spirits
presence in our lives. John 16:13 says that He will guide us into all truth. Lets stay
alert and open to God working through our lives.

Psalm 139:7-10

The Spirit is the power of God.

Gods Spirit is everywhere.
The Spirit guides us into all truth.
The Spirit helps transform us into the likeness of Christ
The Spirit helps us to live righteously.
The Holy Spirit is received at baptism.
Do not pollute our bodies because they are the temples
of the Holy Spirit.

What does the phrase to be born again mean to you?

(I) THE POWER OF GODS SPIRIT

Genesis 1:1-3
Review the Old Testaments teaching God is Spirit
The Spirit is the power of God
i. Spirit is translated from ruwach (Hebrew for wind, sometimes also
breath)
ii. The earth was formlessness, empty and darkness was over the surface of
the deep. The creation was then transformed into form, order, life and
light by the Spirit of God
iii. The Spirit of God moves like the blowing of an invisible wind through
the Spirit we see the effects and evidence of Gods power, presence and
person in the creation

Page
Gods16Spirit will help us live righteous lives and not be controlled by the sinful
nature.
Without the Holy Spirit in us, it is very difficult to change our lives.
(III) HOW DO YOU GET GODS SPIRIT?

Acts 2:17-21, 29-41

The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit
After Jesus was raised to life, he ascended to heaven and received the
promised Holy Spirit from God that he then poured out on all people on the
day of Pentecost
Only those who repent and are baptized with water will receive the
forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (i.e., be born again)

1 Corinthians 6:17-20
To make our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit and to prove our spiritual union with
Him.
CONCLUSION
Decide to live a righteous life!
Do not pollute your bodywhich is the temple of the Holy Spiritwith sin so
that Gods Spirit will continue to live and work in you life.
EXTRA PASSAGES
To guarantee our salvation and help us stand firm in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:2122)
To guide us in spiritual living and produce Gods character in our hearts
(Galatians 5:16-18,22-25)

 This succession of events resulted in the quality of sonship to God being made
available to anyone who responds in faith to the gospel of Jesus Christ
(Galatians 3:26-27, 4:4-6)
If anyone is in Christ there is a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)
The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Person of Christ in Our Hearts
Testifying that we are Gods children as he is (Romans 8:14-17)
Helping us in our prayers by interceding for us to God (Romans 8:26-34)
Enabling Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16,17a)
The Spirit is the person of God (Isaiah 63:7-10)
God responded personally to the condition of Israel distress and grief

B. Local Body: The assembly of baptized disciples in a certain geographic area

that share the hope of eternal life

As the gospel spread there came to be many local churches on earth

Colossians 1:18
Jesus is the true head of the body.
In order to have a relationship with Jesus, one must have a relationship with his
church. Our commitment to Jesus and to the church should be exactly the
same.
Christ
Head
Body = Church

Father
son

son

Page 17

The aim of this study is to inspire someone on the importance and value of being
committed to Gods church. This study serves several purposes: First it defines
what church isits not a building! Secondly, the study explains the workings of the
church. Lastly, the scriptures describe Gods expectations for us as members of His
eternal kingdom. Ultimately, theres no other group of people we want to be part of
than Gods family!

Ephesians 4:4
Colossians 1:18
Ephesians 2:19-22
Acts 2:42-47
I Corinthians 12:12-13
I Peter 4:8-11

There is one body.

The church is the body of Christ.
The church is the family of God.
A powerful description of the early fellowship.
We are baptized into the church.
Shared responsibilities of every disciple.

What comes to mind when you hear the word church?

(I) CHURCH DEFINED

Ephesians 4:4, Romans 12:4-5

There is only one body in Gods eyes.

Church is translated from ekklesia (common Greek word for assembly)

In the New Testament, church is mostly used in a spiritual sense as the
assembly of Gods people both eternally and locally
A. Eternal Body: The assembly of all who will live in heaven with God forever

Only the church of Jesus can overcome death (Matthew 16:15-19)

The names of the saved are written in heaven (Hebrews 12:22-24)

Body

Ephesians 2:19-22
Church = family of God

One Body

Church

God

brothers

Gods household: all members are therefore brothers and sisters

Page 18
A Building: built on the truth of Gods word as recorded in the NT
i.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone (level and direction for the rest of
the foundation)
ii.
Apostles (Paul, Peter, John, Matthew) and Prophets (Mark, Luke,
James, Jude, unspecified writer of Hebrews)
iii.
A local assembly can only be part of Gods eternal church if it is
built in accordance with the teaching of the New Testament

A Holy Temple: God lives in the church by his Spirit

Acts 2:42-47
This is a powerful description of the early Christians fellowship.
(II)

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Entrance through one baptism. Membership in one body. Sustained by one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:10-12
God expects a unified familyunity in His church
Unity in mind in thought; and thought requires effort
God doesnt want divisions or denominations
(III) CHURCH RESPONSIBILITIES

1 Peter 4:8-11
Ministry of the Local Church (i.e., shared responsibilities of every disciple)
Teaching Each Other (Romans 15:14)
Encouraging Each Other (Hebrews 10:24,25; Hebrews 3:12-14)
Benevolence (1 John 3:16-18)

Evangelism: Go into all the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16)

Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-20)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24

Leadership in the Local Church
Needs to be respected and loved
Accountable to God for how they shepherd and lead (their authority is from
God)

Ephesians 3:7-12
The expression of Gods manifold wisdom
The Church represents Gods eternal purpose for man
This knowledge allows us to approach God with freedom and confidence
CONCLUSION
Become a part of Gods church eternally and locally.
Page 19
A Medical Account of the Crucifixion

Simplified and Amended

This is a simplified medical account of Jesus crucifixion (an adaptation of
the Davis version). Other medical reports have been written all useful but usually
rather technical. This account aims to be accessible to the average reader. Douglas
Jacoby created this adaptation, with the assistance of Alex Mnatzaganian, in
December 1989.
Hanging, electrocution, knee-capping, gas chamber; these punishments are
feared. They all happen today, and we shudder as we think of the horror and pain.
But as we shall see, these ordeals pale into insignificance compared with the bitter
fate of Jesus Christ: crucifixion.
No one is crucified today. For us the cross remains confined to ornaments,
jewelry, stained-glass windows, and romanticized pictures and statues portraying a
serene death. Crucifixion was a form of execution refined by the Romans to a
precise art. It was carefully conceived to produce a slow death with maximum pain.
It was a public spectacle intended to deter other would-be criminals. It was a death
to be feared.
SWEAT LIKE BLOOD
Luke 22:44 says of Jesus, and being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly,
and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. His sweat was
unusually intense because his emotional state was unusually intense. Dehydration,
coupled with exhaustion, further weakened him.
BEATING

It was in this condition that Jesus faced the first physical abuse: punches
and slaps to the face and head while blindfolded. Unable to anticipate the blows,
Jesus was badly bruised, his mouth and eyes possibly injured. The psychological
effects of the false trials should not be underestimated. Consider that Jesus faced
them bruised, dehydrated, exhausted and possibly in shock.
FLOGGING
In the previous twelve hours Jesus had suffered emotional trauma, rejection
by his closest friends, a cruel beating and a sleepless night, during which he had to
walk miles between unjust hearings. Despite the fitness he must certainly have
gained during his travels in Palestine, he was in no way prepared for the punishment
of flogging. The effects of the crucifixion would be worse as a result.
A man to be flogged was stripped of his clothes and his hands tied to a post
above his head. He was then whipped across the shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs
and legs, the soldier standing behind and to one side of the victim. The whip used
known as the flagellum was designed to make this a devastating punishment,
bringing the victim close to death. It consisted of several short, heavy leather
thongs, with two small balls of lead or iron attached near the end of each. Pieces of
sheeps bone were sometimes included.
Page 20 As the scourging proceeded, the heavy leather thongs produced first
superficial cuts, then deeper damage to underlying tissues. Bleeding became severe
when not only capillaries and veins were cut, but also arteries in the underlying
muscles. The small metal balls first produced large, deep bruises that were broken
open by further blows. The fragments of sheeps bone ripped the flesh as the whip
was drawn back. When the beating was finished, the skin of the back was in ribbons
and the entire are torn and bleeding.
The words chosen by the gospel writers suggest that the scourging of Jesus
was particularly severe: he was certainly at the point of collapse when he was cut
down from the flogging post.
THE MOCKING
Jesus was allowed no time to recover before facing his next ordeal. Made
to stand, he was dressed in a robe by jeering soldiers, crowned with a twisted band
of thorny twigs and, to complete the parody, given a wooden staff as a kings
scepter. Next they spat on Jesus and struck him on the head with the wooden staff.
The long thorns were driven into the sensitive scalp tissue, producing profuse
bleeding. Even more terrible was the reopening of the wounds on Jesus back when
the robe was torn off again.
Further weakened physically and emotionally, Jesus was led away to be
executed.
THE CRUCIFIXION
The wooden cross used by the Romans was too heavy to be carried by one
man. Instead, the victim to be crucified was made to bear the detached crossbar
across his shoulders, carrying it outside the city walls to the place of execution.
There the heavy upright portion of the cross was permanently in position. Jesus was

unable to carry his load a beam weighing approximately seventy-five to one

hundred twenty-five pounds (35-55 kilograms). He collapsed under the burden, and
an onlooker was ordered to take it for him.
Jesus refused to drink the wine and myrrh offered him before the nails
were driven in, which would have dulled the pain. Thrown down on his back with
arms outstretched along the crossbar, nails were driven through Jesus wrists into
the wood. These iron spikes, about six inches long and three-eights of an inch thick,
severed the large sensorimotor median nerve, causing excruciating pain in both
arms. Carefully placed between bones and ligaments, the spikes were able to bear
the full weight of the crucified man.
In preparation for the nailing of the feet, Jesus was lifted up and the
crossbar fixed to the upright post. Then with legs bent at the knee, a single nail was
used to pierce both feet, one foot being placed over the other. Again there was
severe nerve damage and the pain caused was intense. It is important to note,
however, that neither the wounds to the wrists nor the feet caused substantial
bleeding, since no major arteries were ruptured. The executioner took care to ensure
this in order that death would be slower and the suffering longer.
Now nailed to his cross, the real horror of crucifixion began. When the
wrists were nailed to be crossbar, the elbows were intentionally left in Page
a bent21
position so that the crucified man would hang with his arms above his head, the
weight being taken on the nails in the wrists. Obviously this was unbearably painful,
but it had another effect: It is very difficult to exhale in this position. In order to
breath out and then to take in fresh air, it was necessary to push the body up on the
nailed feet. When the pain from the feet became unbearable, the victim would again
slump down to hang by the arms. A terrible cycle of pain began hanging by the
arms, unable to breathe, pushing up on the feet to inhale quickly before again
slumping down, and on and on.
This tortured activity became more and more difficult as Jesus back
scraped against the upright post, as muscle cramps set in because of the inadequate
respiration, and as exhaustion grew more severe. Jesus suffered in this manner for
several hours until, with a final cry, he died.
CAUSE OF DEATH
Many factors contributed to Jesus death. A combination of shock and
suffocation killed most victims of crucifixion. In Jesus case, however, acute heart
failure may have been the final trauma. This is suggested by the loud cry, followed
by his sudden death, after only a few hours sooner than expected, it would seem,
as Pilate was surprised to find Jesus already dead. A fatal cardiac arrhythmia, or
perhaps cardiac rupture, are likely possibilities.
THE SPEAR WOUND
As the executioners broke the legs of the criminals crucified alongside him
(in order to speed their deaths), Jesus was already dead. Instead, we read that a
solder pierced Jesus side with a spear. Where on his side? The Greek wording in the
Gospel of John suggests the ribs, and if the soldier intended to make Jesus death
certain, a wound to the heart was the obvious choice.

From the wound came a flow of blood and water (John 19:34). This is
consistent with the spear blow to the heart, especially from the right side, the
traditional site of the wound. Rupturing the pericardium (the sac surrounding the
heart) released a flow of watery serum followed by blood as the heart was pierced.
CONCLUSION
The detailed accounts given in the Gospels, combined with the historical
evidence on crucifixion, bring us to a firm conclusion: modern medical knowledge
supports the claim of the Scriptures that Jesus died on the cross.

NOTES
Douglas Jacoby, Ph.D., Shining Like Stars. Woburn, Mass.: Discipleship
Publications International, 2000.
C. Truman Davis, M.D., M.S., The Passion of Christ from a Medical Point of
View, Arizona Medicine, March 1965.
Page 22

List of Extra Resources

Useful Christian Websites

Acesonline
www.acesonline.org
Christian Book Distributors
www.christianbook.com
Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ccel.wheaton.edu
Discipleship Publications International
www.dpibooks.org
Entertainment Reviews for Parents
www.screenit.com
Great Commission Illustrated
www.greatcommission.com
International Churches of Christ
www.icoc.org
Internet Christian Library
www.iclnet.org

Poetic Books

Interpreting Ancient Manuscripts

www.stg.brown.edu/projects/mss/overivew.html
Kingdom News Network (KNN)
www.kingdomnewsnet.org

Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs

Religion Religions Religious Studies

www.clas.ufl.edu/users/gthursby/rel
Religious and Sacred Texts
Davidwiley.com/religion.html
Religium Religion Index
www.teleport.com/~arden/religium.htm
Resource Pages for Biblical Studies
www.hivolda.no/asf/kkf/rel-stud.html

Historical

Pauline Letters

Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi

LettersGeneral

Major Prophets

Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

Minor Prophets

Historical Books

Pentateuch

Biographical

The Books of the Old Testament Page 23

The Books of the New Testament

Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter

Prophetic

SESSION 2

2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation

SESSION 3

Scripture Memory
SESSION 4
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15

(SAMPLE)
SESSION A

1 Peter 3:15
Acts 2:38
Luke 19:10

Keyword

prepare to answer
repent & be baptized
seek & save the lost

SESSION 5

SESSION 6

SESSION 1

Keyword

SESSION 7

Keyword

SESSION 8

SESSION 9